37 minute read
Volunteers converge to secure Max Patch’s future
Mike Wurman and Scott Varn (above) work to install a locust log water bar on the Appalachian Trail at Max Patch during a Sept. 25 volunteer work day. Grass is growing tall on Max Patch
(right) after new rules went into effect cracking down on overuse of the area. Holly Kays photos
Transformation on trail
Volunteers converge to secure Max Patch’s future
BY HOLLY KAYS OUTDOORS EDITOR
On a sunny Saturday in September, tall grasses wave a fringe atop Max Patch, framing mountain layers fading from ripened green to hazy blue. Blooming heads of goldenrod and aster dot the slope, a brisk wind whisking autumn chill into the sunwarmed air. Slope and shrubbery combine to create pockets of privacy on the open bald, fostering an illusion of wilderness that’s broken only when the white-blazed trail brings two travelers together.
It’s a wholly different scene than the one that sprawled across the mountaintop just one year ago, when Asheville artist Mike Wurman flew his drone over the bald to capture what became a viral image of 130 tents blanketing a trampled-down Max Patch.
“It just feels different,” says Wurman, who on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 25, is digging a trench along the trail to install a locust log water bar. He’s one of 50 people who came out for a National Public Lands Day event to rehab the trail and reinforce it against misuse.
“I actually saw birds fly,” he says of today’s experience on the bald. “I’ve never seen birds up here, because there’s always too many people.”
Anyone who hikes or lives near Max Patch can readily attest that abuse and overuse were problems at Max Patch well before Sept. 19, 2020, when Wurman took his drone shot. But as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, and the image of Max Patch covered with tents demanded action.
“It definitely kickstarted things,” said Paul Curtin, Appalachian Trail manager for the Carolina Mountain Club.
Since 2017, a coalition that includes CMC, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service had been working on a long-term plan to manage surging use at Max Patch, but Wurman’s image ramped up the project’s urgency.
“Without that this might have happened, but it would have taken longer,” said Curtin.
Pitch in on trail
The Carolina Mountain Club has a variety of trail maintenance crews and always welcomes new volunteers.
For more information, contact Todd Eveland at trailsmtc@carolinamountainclub.org or check out work schedules at www.carolinamountainclub.org. When outdoors, always practice Leave No Trace principles. Learn more at www.lnt.org.
GROUNDSWELL OF SUPPORT
“This” could refer to the July 1 Forest Service order that laid out a new set of rules for Max Patch, including a ban on camping, off-leash dogs and groups of more than 10 people.
But it could just as easily refer to the swell of enthusiasm for keeping Max Patch beautiful that arose following media coverage of the situation. In the year since, volunteers have held countless litter cleanups on the bald to remove trash and raise awareness of the importance of packing it out. A roster of volunteer trail ambassadors mans the trailhead on busy days like weekends, educating visitors on how to use the place responsibly. The neighborhood just below Max Patch has rallied, doing whatever it can to support management efforts — including raising $1,200 to purchase supplies for the Sept. 25 Public Lands Day projects. One of the neighbors even brought his tractor to help distribute the gravel.
Of the 50 people who showed up on Saturday, about half were completely new to trail maintenance work. They came because they’d heard about the issues facing Max Patch, and they wanted to help.
“My husband and my two sons are Scouts, and they’re out doing this stuff all the time,” said Fairview resident Sam Varn, 55. “I thought, well, I have an opportunity to do something too, so I wanted to come out and participate.”
Public lands are a priority for the Varn family — Sam and her husband Scott, 54, run the nonprofit Preserving a Picturesque America, which works with artists to recreate the vistas documented by early photographers. The resulting pieces are then sold, with profits benefiting public lands in need. Wurman is one of the artists they work with, and in the coming year Max Patch will be one of the locations benefiting from the program.
Meanwhile, blogger Charlene Bell said she saw the workday as an opportunity to give back to the outdoor spaces that have given her so much.
“When REI sent the email and showed that we can actually come out and take care of trails and do some work with this organizations, it was like, ‘Sign me up,’” said Bell, 45, of Charlotte. “Even though I was fatigued and tired, I really was excited to just come out here and be part of this, because I love nature.”
Bell is a Realtor and also runs the blog Lazy in Nature, which promotes spending time outside just for the sake of being outside, rather than rushing through a trail to reach a destination. The day before the Max Patch workday, she was in Alexandria, Virginia — but she traveled all the way out to the Haywood-Madison County line to wander the trails with a three-person crew, installing signposts to display the newly established rules at the boundaries of the regulated area.
“Working in a building, I would probably be complaining a little and having a little regret, but out here I feel so alive, and you probably can’t even really tell that I didn’t have sleep,” she said. True to her word, she spoke in a bright tone that belied any sleep shortage she may have had.
That high-energy feeling seemed to extend all around the bald that day, with three hours of labor yielding a long list of accomplishments. The 51 volunteers who pitched in for National Public Lands Day improved 200 feet of trail tread on the northbound approach to Max Patch, rebuilt 30 steps on the northbound staircase and added 11 to the southbound descent, built 105 feet of fencing near the parking area to aid habitat recovery on former hiker shortcuts, installed various drainage features, eliminated seven fire rings, installed 19 posts for signage and wayfinding and spread 16 tons of gravel to improve trail hardening and hiker footing.
It’s important and blood-pumping work, but Curtin said that the commitment it spurs in volunteers is every bit as important as the tangible results of their labor.
“For us this is a big outreach thing, to try to introduce what we do to the community,” he said.
SPREADING THE MESSAGE
Seemingly simple changes like building fences and posting rules clearly can go a long way toward influencing visitor behavior, but a permanent change at Max Patch will require more than infrastructure. Visitor education and community buy-in are every bit as critical as tread work and water bars.
That’s where the trail ambassadors come in.
“What I usually do is I bring my own little chair and my lunch, and I jump up and talk to people,” said Asheville resident Marjorie Vestal, the ambassador on duty Sept. 25. “And it is so satisfying, because everybody says, ‘Thank you. Thank you for being here.’” F
CMC launched the trail ambassador program in 2019, but due to pandemic impacts on training and recruitment, there weren’t any ambassadors on duty last year, when Max Patch transformed into party central.
“We would actually interview people last year, just casually, and say, ‘How did you hear about Max Patch?’” said Alice McVey, who lives just off Max Patch Road, within easy walking distance of the trailhead. “And it was, ‘Oh, it’s the party place on social media, a place to go to have a great time,’ and we understood that a lot of those people were college students, and they couldn’t do that on campus because of COVID — so Max Patch was a good getaway.”
That crowd didn’t treat Max Patch like the iconic mountain gem that it is. Instead, they left behind their trash, their campfire rings and even their feces when they departed in the morning. They cut down signposts and used them for firewood. They let their fires smolder, keeping residents on edge when the weather turned dry.
Vestal’s job is to confront those behaviors — and, hopefully, prevent them from even popping up. While on duty, Vestal spends her days answering questions, briefing visitors on Leave No Trace principles and reminding people of the new rules. After spending an hour or two at the trailhead, Vestal will take a loop of the trail, looking out for tents, campfires or other violations.
“I have no authority, but I can say to them, ‘Are you aware of the ordinance?” she said. If a ranger sees what they’re doing, she’ll tell them, they could end up with a fine.
Three months into the new regulations, camping violations are rare. The biggest issue Vestal deals with is illegal weddings. Too often, people see Max Patch as a free and beautiful place to tie the knot, not realizing that the 10-person gathering limit also applies to nuptials. Rangers aren’t ticketing weddings yet — nobody wants to write a citation for someone in a wedding dress — but Vestal has been busy contacting area wedding officiants to let them know that tickets are coming soon.
“The problem with weddings is they get all caught up with what they’re doing and forget to pack it out,” Vestal said.
FRAGILE VICTORY
That observation points to the fragility of the victory at Max Patch. In the years to come, an ever-changing group of hikers and campers and sightseers will find themselves at the Max Patch Trailhead, and many of them won’t be familiar with the principles for responsible use that are intuitive for people who regularly spend time outdoors.
“Everybody’s got to be Leave No Trace trained,” said Scott Varn. “As a Scout master, it’s very common for us. But we would not have thought 100 people or more would descend and then just leave their crap and ruin it for everybody.”
That training will have to come from somewhere. Right now, it’s coming from trail ambassadors like Vestal, who donate their time and enthusiasm to bestow it. Keeping it up will require a continued refreshing of the ranks — or else Max Patch could someday return to the sorry state of 2020.
While 2020 brought the hordes, the crowds had been there well before that. McVey, who has lived in the neighborhood fulltime since 2005, said the situation had been bad since 2017 or so. Despite her proximity to Max Patch, neither she nor her neighbors would ever go there. It became “an embarrassment,” she said.
Now, she said, it’s different.
“People (from the neighborhood) will email me or call me and say, ‘Do you really think we can go on a Saturday? We’ve got company coming into town,’” said McVey.
These days, she readily answers yes.
“It’s totally turned the corner, and it looks like it’s supposed to look now,” said Curtin. “When you go up there, you see blackberries growing up and flowers and milkweed, and there’s birds flying around, and butterflies and bees.”
It seems to be a new day for Max Patch. McVey hopes the transformation sticks.
“When people are hiking the (Appalachian) Trail, a lot of it is tree canopy and not a lot of long-distance vistas, so when you pop out onto Max Patch, there you are, and it’s such a shocking and beautiful place, and it’s free to enjoy,” said McVey. “We love the fact that people come. We just want to make sure respect is given to that beautiful spot.”
The 30th annual Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament drew 92 golfers to participate in 23 four-person teams on Wednesday, Sept. 15.
Held for the fourth year in the row at Sequoyah National Golf Club in Cherokee, the tournament is tentatively scheduled to take place at the same facility in mid-September next year.
The Yonah First Flight required a threeway tie playoff to determine the top teams. Ultimately, the first place team was Steve Heatherly, Noah Heatherly, Jerry McKinney and John Ellis; the second place team was Wayne Edwards, Andy Edwards, Jon Henson and Jason Hodgin; and the third place team was Kevin Wells, Jay Eagleman, Michael Stamper and Birdie Saunooke.
In the Selu Second Flight, the first place team was Scott Manshack, Jeff Goss, Tim Jones and Josh Estes. After a two-way tie playoff, second place was Andrew Sherling, Bryan Cagle, Michael Hopkins and Eric Farmer; and third place was Joel Sowers, Shane Bounds, Bernie Gilchrist and Mark Rogers.
Closest to the pin winners were Marianne Smith for Hole 2, Andy Edwards for Hole 13, Will Peoples for Hole 17, Jay Eagleman for Hole 6 and Kevin Holland for Hole 8. Noah Heatherly won for longest drive at Hole 11, the Super Raffle dine-around winner was Chase Kress and Super Raffle Wells Fargo Championship 2022 tickets went to Noah Heatherly.
The Chamber Challenge raises money for the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, supporting chamber operations, scholarships at Southwestern Community College and Western Carolina University and events like Concerts on the Creek, July 4 Fireworks and the Hook, Line and Drinker Festival.
Spur closures planned this week
Single-lane closures on the Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will be in effect through Thursday, Sept. 30, for routine maintenance operations.
The closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day to allow crews to do work such as litter patrol, tree removal, string trimming mowing, shoulder reconditioning and culvert cleaning.
For updates on road conditions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, follow SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter or visit www.nps.gov/grsm.
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Patrick Brannon, outreach specialist at the Highlands Biological Station, has received the 2021 award for exceptional environmental education programs from the Environmental Educators of North Carolina.
Brannon received the award for his STEM outreach programs for regional schools. He gives the programs almost daily in schools and other community groups across Western North Carolina, with locations ranging from classrooms to remote field locations along the Appalachian Trail.
The EENC award recognizes excellence in environmental education and was given during the organization’s 30th annual
conference held Sept. 10-11 in Arden. Highlands Biological Station offers more than 50 programs, ranging from “show and tell” sessions for youngsters to immersive field labs for high school students. Classes are designed to meet curriculum requirements of state science essential standards. Highlands Biological Station was also successful in adapting nearly all of its programs to a virtual format during the pandemic, including field courses. In 2020, the station served Patrick Brannon. more than 10,000 students Donated photo through 250-plus STEM outreach programs, with 70% held virtually, for 48 different schools across 13 regional counties. The addition of virtual programming also has allowed expansion to include schools as far away as Raleigh, Durham and Fayetteville. www.highlandsbiological.org.
Outdoor Economy Conference postponed
Due to the Delta variant’s continued impact on public health, the Outdoor Economy Conference originally scheduled for Oct. 12-15 has been postponed until April 2-7, 2022 — but other opportunities to connect with the outdoor community will be scheduled in the meantime.
The first of these opportunities is a digital Building Outdoor Communities workshop set for the afternoons of the original core conference dates, Oct. 13-14. The workshop will help outdoor communities across Western North Carolina and throughout the nation meet this shared moment, with a focus on economic recovery, resilience, inclusive access and place-based culture creation.
Registration for the Oct. 13-14 workshop is $50. Registered conference attendees will get a free pass to this and other content over the next six months. Sign up at www.outdooreconomy.org/boc21.
Every Thursday at 1 p.m. this October, staff at the Highlands Nature Center will offer “Autumn Amble” tours around the botanical garden.
Discover what leaves are already changing, and the science behind it. Tours are free, but space is limited, so reserve a spot by calling 828.526.2623. Masks are required, and tours will be canceled in case of inclement weather.
Autumn colors reflect on the pond at the Highlands
Botanical Garden. Mike Hunter photo
Meet the neighbors
Join a Blue Ridge Parkway ranger for an evening of getting reacquainted with your natural neighbors on the Parkway during this week’s Fridays at the Folk Art Center session, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at the Folk Art Center in Asheville.
This interactive and inspirational evening will take a look at the amazing resources found right in Asheville’s backyard and help participants get reacquainted with their love of the outdoors.
The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Parkway. No restrooms will be available during this outdoor program. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
Grant award to spur WNC’s outdoor economy
Nearly $3 million in newly announced funding will support further development of the outdoor-driven community and economy in Western North Carolina. The project aims to generate 325 jobs and generate $18.1 million of new investment in the region’s outdoor economy.
The three-year project, managed by Mountain BizWorks and the Growing Outdoors Partnership, will rely on three core pillars to accomplish its goals.
The first pillar, “Building Outdoor Communities,” will systematically assess, analyze and design an outdoor economic development and investment approach for every county in WNC, as well as the Qualla Boundary. The second pillar, “Outdoor Industry Expansion,” will help companies capitalize on historic levels of demand for outdoor recreation through increased access to capital, peer mentorship, training, workforce development services and other support to help them grow their businesses here in WNC. The third and final pillar, “Increasing Market Access,” will elevate WNC’s profile as the Outdoor Industry Hub of the East in order to help drive market access for our region’s outdoor companies and rural communities.
“Over the past eight years, the members of the regional Growing Outdoors Partnership initiative have helped empower critical economic progress for rural WNC communities,” said Sophia Paulos, board chair of Mountain BizWorks and Graham County economic development director. “This project represents a regional approach to outdoor-driven community and economic development that is uniquely tailored to our region, and unmatched anywhere in the world.”
The funds include a $1.35 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, given to Mountain BizWorks and the Growing Outdoors Partnership, and $1.64 million in additional support by regional partners such as Mountain BizWorks, Dogwood Health Trust, Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina, Western Carolina University and Appalachian State University. The ARC grant is part of a nearly $46.4 million package supporting 57 projects across 184 coalimpacted counties served through ARC’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative, or POWER. It will serve 25 WNC counties and the Qualla Boundary.
Winner announced for Kids in the Creek shirt design
Waynesville Middle School student Kate Clark is the winner of this year’s Haywood Waterways Association Kids in the Creek Tshirt design contest, meeting success at her first try entering an art contest.
“I’m not much of an artist,” she said. “After giving it some thought, the design just came to me.”
Clark’s artwork will be printed on 700 shirts for this spring’s Kids in the Creek participants. She also received a Visa gift card from HomeTrust Bank and a private tour of Rikki Tikki Tees Screen Printing and Design Shop for a hands-on demonstration of the printing process.
First and second runners up Migali Michua and Gracie Rinker, also from Waynesville Middle School, received gift certificates to Jack the Dipper Ice Cream.
This spring will mark the 24th year of Kids in the Creek, Haywood Waterways’ premier water quality education event for all Haywood County eighth-grade students. The program gives students a hands-on outdoor experience that coincides with the science curriculum, with local experts teaching them about watershed ecology, water chemistry and aquatic wildlife. The program shows how waterways become polluted and what students can do to help protect them.
“We really want the students to see what lives in the water,” said Christine O’Brien, Kids in the Creek coordinator. “We find many students haven’t had that experience. It’s also nice to have a program that enhances in class learning.”
Kids in the Creek is cosponsored by Haywood County Schools with funding from the Pigeon River Fund of the
Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Tennessee Valley Authority, and proceeds from Haywood Waterways’ annual Plunge fundraiser. For more information, to become a volunteer, or to donate, contact Eric Romaniszyn at info@haywoodwaterways.org or 828.476.4667.
Kate Clark’s colorful design won her the top spot in this year’s contest.
The Brevard-based business Black Folks Camp Too was recently given The President’s Award from America’s State Parks during the organization’s annual awards.
Black Folks Camp Too received the award — which recognizes extraordinary contributions to America’s State Parks at the local, state or national level — for initiatives in both North and South Carolina, as well as nationally, to encourage more diversity in camping. The business has worked to remove fear and provide resources for all campers to encourage inclusivity and unity in outdoor spaces.
America’s State Parks works through the National Association of State Park Directors to promote and advance state parks in America.
Venture abroad with NOC
In celebration of its 50th anniversary year in 2022, the Nantahala Outdoor Center has announced a schedule of international travel tours beginning in the spring.
The 12 planned trips will offer varying itineraries suited for ages 6 and up, with activities ranging in skill level from beginner to expert. The all-inclusive excursions will be fully planned and led by experienced guides to include everything from adventure and gear to lodging and meals, with the exception of flights. Trips will feature multi-sport itineraries and a range of specific adventure activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking, paragliding, horseback riding and more, with non-adventure activities such as unique cultural experiences safaris and wine tastings.
NOC has a long legacy of providing domestic and international trip experiences. Prior to the new international adventures program, trips abroad were limited to kayaking adventures in Chile. Now, NOC is offering rafting in Chilko-Chilcotin-Fraser, British Columbia; bear viewing and multisport activities at Bear Camp, British Columbia; multi-sport activities at Lake District, Chile; multi-sport activities in Argentina; multi-sport and trek activities in Peru; surf and multi-sport activities in Costa Rica; mountain climbing and safari at Mt. Kilimanjaro; rafting and safari on the Zambezi River, Zimbabwe; multi-sport activities in Southern Iceland; source-to-sea multi-sport activities in Norway; and kayaking, rafting and cultural experiences in Bhutan.
To book a trip, visit www.noc.com/international.
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Puzzles can be found on page 46
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Bee balm blooms on Judaculla Ridge.
Mainspring Conservation Trust photo
Judaculla property protected
Mainspring Conservation Trust recently closed on an in-holding of the Nantahala National Forest Service in the Caney Fork Valley of Jackson County.
The property is surrounded by U.S. Forest Service land and sits on Judaculla Ridge in a highly visible place within the Blue Ridge Parkway viewshed, just a couple miles from the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
Mainspring expects a public entity to eventually own Judaculla Ridge, making it part of the publicly accessible lands forever protected through conservation. The purchase also has meaningful cultural values and ensures protection of important headwater streams and natural resources, including high-elevation golden-winged warbler and native brook trout habitat.
Trade up for coon hunting
The Jackson County Coon Hunters Association is planning a day full of activity on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 44 Oak Hill Drive in Sylva.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Hunters Trade Day will offer the opportunity to trade or sell hunting and camping supplies such as dog boxes, tracking systems, collars and apparel. There will be a place for dogs to hang out, and good stories are always welcome.
A rabies and micro-chipping clinic will run from 10 a.m. to noon, and field events will take place after the trading concludes.
Matthew Bryson, 828.508.6465.
Hike Haywood
Haywood County Recreation and Parks will continue its hiking program through October, offering a diversity of guided hiking opportunities throughout the month. n Wednesday, Oct. 6. Hike a moderate 7.5 miles from Polls Gap to Sheepback, led by Jamie and Ruffin Shackleford. n Sunday, Oct. 10. Hike a moderate 4 miles on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail to Woodfin Cascade, led by Vickey Watson and Steve Szczepanski. n Wednesday, Oct. 20. Hike a moderate 7.7 miles in the Rough Creek Watershed, led by Kathy Odvody and Phyllis Woolen. n Wednesday, Oct. 27. Hike a moderate 3 miles on the MST to Skinny Dip Falls, led by Phyllis Woollen and Vickey Watson. The group will hike only as far as it’s safe to navigate given recent impacts to the area from Tropical Storm Fred. n Saturday, Oct. 30. Hike a difficult 4.6 miles to Black Rock and Yellow Face Mountain, led by Lisa Cook and Phyllis Woollen.
Hikes cost $10 to join, paid at registration. Sign up by calling 828.452.6789.
Tobacco referendum coming in November
On Thursday, Nov. 18, North Carolina tobacco growers will get to choose whether to continue paying 10 cents per 100 pounds of flue-cured and burley tobacco sold in order to support tobacco research and education.
Since 1991, the Tobacco Research Check-off has allocated annual funds tobacco-related projects at N.C. State University, currently about $250,000 per year. Farmers have benefited from the check-off in many ways, including annual training sessions, support for Good Agricultural Practices certification and development of new tobacco varieties.
The most recent referendum in 2015 passed with 94.5 percent support. A two-thirds vote is needed to continue collecting the money.
Contact the county Cooperative Extension office for more information.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
• The Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center (SMPCC) will hold its 20-year Celebration at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. There is no cost to attend, but guests are asked to preregister at smokypartners.com or by calling 828.349.3200. • Franny’s Farm will host Goat Yoga from 10:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 3 and 24, at Franny’s Farm, 22 Franny’s Farm Road, Leicester. It is a beginner level class with breathing, stretching, petting goats and being present to receive the present of goats nibbling you clothes, jumping on your back or maybe even napping on your mat.
• Zonta Club of the Franklin Area Red Sand Project will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, in front of the Macon County Courthouse in downtown Franklin. Social distancing will be practiced and masks are advised.
GROUPS AND MEETINGS
• The Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society meeting for October is canceled. The group will re-evaluate the situation later in October and make a decision about the November meeting.
THE SPIRITUAL SIDE
• A “Celebration of Life” will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, beside the Lake Junaluska Chapel. The celebration, which will be held outside the chapel under the white tent, honors loved ones who passed away this year. “A Celebration of life” is free to the public and will include special music and readings. Refreshments will be provided. To RSVP or for more information, call 828.452.5039.
POLITICAL CORNER
• A candidate forum for the Maggie Valley Town Board will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4, in the Maggie Valley Town Hall.
SUPPORT GROUPS
• Al-Anon, for families and friends of alcoholics, meets every Monday night from 7-8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 77 Jackson St., Sylva. Enter at front of church through the door to the left of the sanctuary; meeting is first door on the right. The Church requests that you wear a mask if you are not vaccinated. • Narcotics Anonymous meetings are back "live" in-person after a year of being on Zoom only. Local meetings are 12 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at Sylva First United Methodist Church in downtown Sylva. Entrance at back of building.
A&E
• Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood Street in downtown Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods. Special events will be held when scheduled. www.mountainmakersmarket.com. • The 4th annual Beaverdam Studio Tour will take place Oct. 30-31. The self-directed, two-day event features 25 artists working in Beaverdam Valley — plus five guest artists — whose works include ceramics, painting, jewelry, sculpture, textiles, paper art + photography. https://beaverdamstudiotour.com/ • Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host Life Like Water Oct. 1. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 or www.boojumbrewing.com. • The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Jay Brown (guitar/vocals) Oct. 2 and Sheila Gordon (piano/vocals) Oct. 9. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Limited seating. Reservations required. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com. • Friday Night Live (Highlands) will be held at the Town Square from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with Curtis Blackwell Oct. 1 and Frank & Allie (Americana/folk) Oct. 8. Free and open to the public. www.highlandschamber.org. • Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Krave Amiko Oct. 1, The Knotty G’s Oct. 2, Jacob’s Wall 2 p.m. Oct. 2, Nick Colavito Oct. 8, Woolybooger Oct. 9 and Syrrup 2 p.m. Oct. 10. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com. • Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host Anna Victoria (singer-songwriter) Oct. 10. All events are free and begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.innovation-brewing.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host an Oktoberfest celebration 8 p.m. Oct. 2 and Yard Karaoke 7 p.m. Oct. 8. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host PMA (reggae/soul) Oct. 1. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Jacob’s Well Oct. 2. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 or www.mtnlayersbeer.com. • Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host Heart of Pine (Americana) 7 p.m. Oct. 2. 828.641.9797 or www.nantahalabrewing.com. • Orchard Coffee (Waynesville) will host Corey Kilganon & Lazuli Vane (Americana/indie) 8 p.m. Sept. 29 ($15 at the door). Advance tickets are available at the shop. 828.246.9264 or www.orchardcoffeeroasters.com. • “Pickin’ on the Square” (Franklin) will host live music Oct. 2 and 8. All shows start at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Located on Main Street. www.franklin-chamber.com. • Saturdays On Pine (Highlands) will be held at the Kelsey-Hutchinson Park from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with The Bill Mattocks Blues Quartet Oct. 2 and Nitrograss (bluegrass/Americana) Oct. 9. Free and open to the public. www.highlandschamber.org. • Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host Crowder (Christian/indie) at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30. Tickets start at $25, with priority seating available. For more information and to purchase tickets, click on www.smokymountainarts.com. • Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host karaoke on Thursday nights and an Oktoberfest celebration 8 p.m. Oct. 9. 828.456.4750 or www.facebook.com/waternhole.bar.
n All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. n To have your item listed email to calendar@smokymountainnews.com
FOOD AND DRINK
• The “BBQ & Brews Dinner Train'' will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Craft beer pairings with a meal, and more. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on www.gsmr.com. • “Dillsboro After Five” will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in downtown Dillsboro. Start with a visit to the Jackson County Farmers Market located in the Innovation Station parking lot. Stay for dinner and take advantage of late-hour shopping. www.mountainlovers.com. • There will be a free wine tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075. • The “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on www.gsmr.com.
CLASSES AND PROGRAMS
• Waynesville Art School offers “Make Art & Play” for 45 year olds from 3:45 to 4:45 on Tuesdays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes • Waynesville Art School offers “Kinder Artists” for 6-7 year olds from 3:45 to 4:45 on Mondays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes • Waynesville Art School offers “Shining Minds” for 1012 year olds from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes . • Waynesville Art School offers “Art Sparklers” for 8-9 year olds from 3:34 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes • Waynesville Art School offers “Art Shuffle” for children 12 and older from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes • Waynesville Art School offers “The Hatter’s Tea Party” for 8-`16 year olds from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes • Waynesville Art School offers “Puppet Theater” for 816 year olds from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes • Waynesville Art School offers drawing for adults class from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays, and 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays. Painting class for adults from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit www.waynesvilleartschool.com/register-for-classes
ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES
•Artists are invited to participate in Dillsboro’s Downhome Harvest. Artisans are invited to set up a booth in front of businesses 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Great Smoky Railroad will be arriving daily at 1:15 p.m. There will be 'walking scarecrows', face painting, trick-or-treating and more. Contact Connie Hogan at chogan4196@gmail.com. • An art contest (ages 5 years and up) will be held through Oct. 14 at the Marianna Black library in Bryson City. A fun night complete with face painting for children and other activities will also take place during the “Gallery Night” event from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19. The theme of the contest is “It’s a Beautiful World.” To register for the contest, pick up an application on Monday, Sept. 13, at the library.
Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for:
n Complete listings of local music scene n Regional festivals n Art gallery events and openings n Complete listings of recreational offerings at health and fitness centers n Civic and social club gatherings
Outdoors
• Every Thursday at 1 p.m. this October, staff at the Highlands Nature Center will offer “Autumn Amble” tours around the botanical garden. Discover what leaves are already changing, and the science behind it. Tours are free, but space is limited, so reserve a spot by calling 828.526.2623. Masks are required, and tours will be canceled in case of inclement weather. • Join the second season of the Highlands Biological Foundation’s virtual book club delving into All We Can Save, edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson, with meetings 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, through Nov. 18. Sign up by contacting paige@highlandsbiological.org or 828.526.2623. www.highlandsbiological.org. • Haunted School will be open from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Oct. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-31, at the Fines Creek Community Center. Admission is $10 per person. Must be 13 and up to enter without an adult. All visitors must wear a mask. If you don’t have one, one will be provided for you. • The N.C. Forestry Association will hold an annual meeting Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at the Grandover Resort & Conference Center in Greensboro. With an overall conference theme of “Economy and Transportation,” the general session will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29. Learn more at www.ncforestry.org. • Join a Blue Ridge Parkway ranger for an evening of getting reacquainted with your natural neighbors on the Parkway during this week’s Fridays at the Folk Art Center session, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at the Folk Art Center in Asheville. The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Parkway. No restrooms will be available during this outdoor program. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. • The Haywood Waterways Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters Trout Race at BearWaters Brewing in Canton, due to flood impacts, is postponed from its original Sept. 11 date to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. The Trout Race will be held in conjunction with the grand reopening and Oktoberfest at BearWaters Brewing. Tshirts will be sold to support the business flood relief fund. Purchase trout at www.haywoodwaterways.org. • The Sylva Garden Club is hosting its regular monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5. The meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the Sylva Presbyterian Church. Please wear a mask. This meeting is available via Zoom. Please email sylvagardenclub@gmail.com if you wish to attend in person or via Zoom.
PAIRS OFF
ACROSS
1 Gallery display 8 Bits of fabric, e.g. 14 "Quit that!" 20 Low-cost and inferior, informally 21 Apple ad catchphrase 22 For a short period 23 Actress Freeman who lived in a European gambling mecca? 25 Cello relative 26 Classic Ford 27 Animated one, in brief 28 Like some radio shows 30 Cereal grass 31 Palmist, e.g. 32 General --'s chicken 33 Two-masted sailboat painted bright red? 35 Oahu beach 38 IV flow 39 Land of ska 43 King or czar 47 Fluctuate 51 Really hurt the feelings of? 54 Aquatint, e.g. 55 Quaint newspaper sections 56 Very little 57 Enter gently 60 Actor Ron 61 Golf club 62 Saints' org. 64 Like someone who has moved to America again? 66 Coup group 68 Like a black chimney 70 Nothing, in Latin 71 Parasite on a passenger flight? 74 Mil. rank 75 Sonar sound 78 Groom's vow 79 Hound breed 80 Laugh loudly 82 Cut off with scissors 83 T-man Eliot 85 Be too busy for a healthresort visit? 89 Stun guns 92 Go to bed 93 Acclimated 94 Essence 96 Making a snug home 98 "Alice" waitress who specialized in serving Dad's soft drinks? 104 Styled after 105 Peat source 109 Indisposed 110 Sporty Chevy 111 Clay lump 113 Vixen's boss 114 Sight-related 116 Apt getaway spelled by this puzzle's missing pairs of last two letters 119 Get even for 120 Follows 121 Discharge an egg 122 Usurer, e.g. 123 Typists in trials 124 Rode a bike
DOWN
1 Zeniths 2 -- Island (part of New England) 3 Edgy 4 Ocean filler 5 German car 6 Ocasek of the Cars 7 Of the "Ode on a Grecian Urn" poet 8 Fodder storer 9 "Move it!" 10 Bighorn male 11 BP gas brand 12 Carrier founded in 1927 13 La -- (opera house) 14 Rescuers 15 Hostess classic 16 "So that's your game!" 17 Stove light 18 Of a pelvic bone 19 Extra inning 24 Chess piece 29 Classic Ford 32 Burrito's kin 33 Very little 34 Sword sort 35 Nintendo game consoles 36 Not engaged 37 Petty of NASCAR 39 Actress Ryan of "Boston Public" 40 God of love 41 Bikers' competition on a dirt trail 42 In no key, musically 44 Take -- (plop down) 45 Actor Keach of "Man With a Plan" 46 Errand, e.g. 48 Most hard and cold 49 Rights gp. 50 Reasons 52 Poking tool 53 Essence 58 Monogram letter: Abbr. 59 Final degree 62 Papa's ma 63 Edible fruit part 64 -- choy 65 Rap genre 67 Chest protector, of sorts 68 Holey utensil 69 Musical piece for eight 71 "-- life grand?" 72 Brain flash 73 Old autocrat 74 Slalom, say 76 Neck area 77 Alum 80 Bygone days 81 Former foes of Navajos 82 Forest buck 84 Labor Day mo. 86 Madre's boy 87 Postal slot 88 Actress Best of "The Man Who Knew Too Much" 90 Chest protector, of sorts 91 Thieving type 95 Dress border 97 Southwest art mecca 98 Foe 99 Antipasto bit 100 Cindy Brady player Susan 101 Goes very quickly 102 Facade 103 Mature nit 105 "The Practice" actress Sokoloff 106 "Barry Lyndon" star Ryan 107 Situation 108 Filled fully 111 Singer Laine 112 A smaller amount of 113 Valuable sire 115 Conjunction in Cologne 117 Wordplay bit 118 Actress Best of "Nurse Jackie"
ANSWERS ON PAGE 42
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Medical
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Pets
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Real Estate Announcements
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Rentals
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SUDOKU
Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
Answers on 42
